Wat Khao Chan Ngam (Wat Lertsuwat)

Wat Khao Chan Ngam, also called Wat Lertsuwat, is a forest temple built around a sandstone rock shelter in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima, where red-ochre paintings roughly 3,000 to 4,000 years old cover the cliff face. Entry is free and the grounds are open daily from 08:00 to 18:00.

What’s actually here

The temple is built into a jumble of large sandstone boulders, with the roots of old trees wrapped over the rock and cave-like overhangs forming natural shelters. The main draw is a cliff shelter roughly 4 metres above the ground, painted with 12 clusters of red-ochre figures — men, women, children and animals shown dancing, hunting with bows, sitting and standing. Some scenes are solid silhouettes, others just outlines, and archaeologists still haven’t agreed on what several of the abstract patterns mean. It’s one of only a handful of documented prehistoric rock-art sites in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Atmosphere and timing

This is a working forest monastery as much as a heritage site — resident monks live among the boulders, and the paths between them stay shaded and quiet outside of weekend visits from Korat day-trippers. Early morning is the most comfortable time to walk the rock trails, before the sandstone starts radiating afternoon heat.

Insider Tip: The red pigment has faded badly on some panels — bring a phone flashlight or visit with a local guide who can point out which boulders hold the clearest figures, since on-site signage is minimal.

Watch out: This is a genuine forest site with uneven rock paths and few facilities — closed shoes are worth it over sandals, and there’s little shade once you’re off the main boulder trail.

Practical details

From Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), take Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road) toward Sikhio and turn off around the km 197-198 marker, then follow the paved road roughly 4km to the temple gate — there’s no public transport to the site itself. Pair the visit with the wind turbines at Khao Yai Tiang or the Sikhio Stone Quarry Site, both in the same district. View on Google Maps.